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Definition of hedonism

hedonism

/ˈhiːdənɪzəm/
he · do · nism
Adverb:hedonistically
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Plural:hedonisms
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Adjective:hedonistic
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hedonism Lexical Profile

hedonism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The pursuit of or devotion to pleasure, sensual self-indulgence, and immediate gratification as a way of life.

Example

"Their vacation was a week of pure hedonism, filled with lavish feasts and endless lounging by the sea."

2

The ethical theory and philosophical doctrine that pleasure is the highest good and the proper aim of human life.

Example

"In our philosophy seminar, we contrasted ancient ethical hedonism with modern utilitarianism."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

hedger
hedgerow
hedging
hedonism
hedonist
hedonistic
hedonistically

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-19th century from Ancient Greek hēdonē ('pleasure, delight'), derived from hēdys ('sweet'), combined with the suffix -ism.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hedonism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hedonism
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